It has been apparent for some time–as in several years–that the retail stores on the 14th Street corridor between Rhode Island and U Street are targets for this type of crime. The city loves to redevelop whole strips and encourage entrepreneurs to set up shop. It would be nice if the small business owners got the type of attention that is lavished on the big developers.

Note: I am NOT blaming the police. I view this as an issue around priorities and resources. In other words, the Council and the mayor need to make sure that that small business owners get the support they need, including police protection. More foot patrols, anyone?

An 18-year-old District resident was ordered held in city jail yesterday after being charged with second-degree murder in the slaying of another teenager last month.

Lafonte Lurie Carlton is not new to the legal system. City officials said he was found guilty of homicide three years ago and sent to the city’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. His arrest last week highlights concerns among D.C. Superior Court judges who have been frustrated as they watch juveniles come to their courts after being released from the custody of Youth Rehabilitation Services. Judges, residents and police have said some offenders are released too soon.

Even in a year in which the homicide numbers barely budged, D.C. police and prosecutors see signs that don’t bode well for the future: an increase in younger killers, apt to open fire on crowded city streets, who could not care less about the damage they cause. Many young suspects put their heads down and even try to sleep during interrogations, according to D.C. homicide detectives. Others seem cold inside, with no sense of reality.